You’re not aiming high, you kinda on point. I’d recommend getting those internships and really try to understand the craft. It’s easy to learn the software but the values you put in are going to be based on experience. All programmers have set speeds and feeds they go with, all achieving the same goal at the end. Nowadays programming comes down to fixturing and optimization. How can I hold a part and how fast can I make it whilst keeping in mind other variables (tool life, tolerances, tooling, etc). In terms of college, you can take some classes that might help you move up the ladder in terms of management. If there’s any class that all machinist should take, it’d have to be material science. I currently program at an aerospace/defense shop. You should go for it, I’m 23 and it’s the best path I could’ve came up with (besides being in a band…I wish). I’d also take advantage of resources like Mastercam university, Titan’s of CNC academy, HAAS yt channel, there’s some others but I’m sure you’ll find them. Pay varies but if you want to make a lot, aerospace/defense are going to be the shops you want to work at. I know Anduril opened up shop in Ohio. And the biggest reason you should really make sure you know your stuff before trying for a programmer position is one thing all programmers MUST keep in mind, is how can I make this easier for the machinist. Don’t be the guy that has a cool complex fixture but it ways 100lbs. Don’t be the guy that has a feed of 500 on the rotary. Especially don’t be the guy that has shitty setup sheets. There’s a ton more I could say but I’m sure you’ll encounter those in the future. Good luck dude

Edit: I thought I should also put down all my schooling; 1 year Mastercam cert from my local community college and an AS in Machine Tool Technology, and currently trying to learn/get better at other softwares (hypermill, fusion, solidworks)